The Chairman of the Nationwide Hajj Fee of Nigeria, NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has begged the Federal Authorities to ask the Central Financial institution of Nigeria, CBN, to waive the two per cent cost imposed on pilgrims’ funds.
Professor Usman mentioned the elimination of the required proportion would, in no small measure, considerably scale back Hajj fares and the monetary burdens on Nigerian pilgrims, particularly contemplating the devastating financial woes which the federal government is making frantic efforts to revive.
Talking in Abuja on Saturday, Professor Saleh reiterated his dedication to making sure that the Fee fulfills its mandate of enhancing the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. He said that one among his main priorities since assuming workplace was to scale back the price of Hajj, making it extra inexpensive for Muslims throughout the nation.
“I’m assured that reducing Hajj fares will carry aid to our pilgrims, leaders, and your entire Muslim Ummah,” he mentioned.
To attain this objective, Professor Saleh defined that he had engaged key Hajj service suppliers, together with airliners, Masha’ir service suppliers, lodging suppliers, and transportation corporations, in collaboration with the Discussion board of State Pilgrims Welfare Businesses.
He highlighted that these negotiations had already yielded important reductions in numerous service prices:
Masha’ir Providers: Final 12 months, pilgrims had been charged 4,770 Saudi Riyals, however following discussions, NAHCON secured a discount of over 700 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim.
Lodging in Madinah: The price per mattress house was 5,000 Riyals final 12 months, however a discount of 200 Riyals per pilgrim has been achieved.
Transportation: Final 12 months’s transportation value stood at 1,300 Riyals per pilgrim, however this 12 months, NAHCON efficiently negotiated a 130 Riyal discount per pilgrim.
Airfare: Given Nigeria’s geographical range, airfare prices differ throughout areas. Nevertheless, underneath Professor Saleh’s management, NAHCON was capable of safe a $399 discount per pilgrim.
“These reductions have considerably impacted the general Hajj fare, and we’re nonetheless anticipating additional changes,” he added.
Whereas noting that NAHCON just isn’t requesting authorities subsidies, Professor Saleh appealed to authorities to think about promoting {dollars} to the Fee on the official authorities alternate charge. He said that this measure, if permitted, would additional decrease Hajj fares.
“Now we have estimated the greenback alternate charge at n1,550, n1,600, and n1,650, however given the fluctuations, we settled on a reasonable charge. If we safe a discount in foreign exchange charges, we’ll refund any financial savings to the pilgrims,” he assured.
Professor Saleh additionally known as on State Governors to assist their respective State Pilgrims Welfare Businesses by offering loans that will allow them to settle funds with NAHCON earlier than the ultimate cost deadline set by Saudi authorities.
On the deadline for Hajj fare funds, the NAHCON Chairman clarified that the Fee has no management over the deadline however can solely enchantment to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj for an extension if mandatory. He urged intending pilgrims to finish their funds promptly to keep away from any last-minute points.
Professor Saleh additionally known as on State Pilgrims Welfare Businesses and stakeholders to accentuate public enlightenment campaigns, making certain that intending pilgrims perceive the significance of well timed cost and correct preparation for a profitable Hajj pilgrimage.
Take away 2 per cent cost on pilgrims’ funds by CBN – NAHCON chair begs Nigerian govt
